The ultraviolet signature of massive stars in starburst galaxies

Abstract

Studies in different spectral regimes of starburst galaxies clearly indicate the presence of hot, massive stars. However, only the UV spectral region can be used to directly identify the spectroscopic signature of these stars. The typical contributor to the integrated continuum at approximately 1400 A of a starburst is from the hot B stars. More massive stars are responsible for the majority to the UV lines which are broad photospheric absorption lines and wind emission or P Cygni profiles. We present a progress report of a study of the massive star population in starburst galaxies using the UV spectral region